AARP: Fighting for Connecticut

In , AARP’s advocacy is supported by a network of 72 volunteers, 48 chapters, 107,264 on-line activists who are available by email for immediate calls to-action, plus thousands more activists available by mail.   AARP Connecticut sponsors election year voter forums, voter guides, Tele-town halls, and community service opportunities throughout the state, that both engage and educate members.  Our grassroots network is coordinated by 17 volunteer leaders, allowing AARP to quickly mobilize members and volunteer activists.

In 2009, held five community conversations and eight Tele-town halls with members of Congress and policy experts.  These efforts engaged over 65,000 residents on AARP’s federal health care priorities, including closing the Medicare Part D “Doughnut Hole,” providing affordable coverage for members age 50-64, and strengthening Medicare.

At the state level, AARP Connecticut led successful campaigns to expand Dial-A-Ride transportation for older adults and persons with disabilities, combat high electric utility bills, mitigate proposed cuts to health and long-term care programs, enact a state health care reform plan aimed at covering 98% of Connecticut residents by 2014, and establishing broader eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs, which will reduce prescription drug and Medicare costs for eligible seniors.  We generated strong public support for our legislative issues using grassroots organizing techniques, automated calls, social networking media, electronic advocacy, and direct-mail.  The AARP Bulletin, which every AARP member receives monthly, featured Connecticut-specific stories.  AARP Connecticut’s State Member Newsletter reaches 35,000 members each quarter.  AARP volunteers and members regularly communicate with state and federal elected officials.

With the help of 47 volunteers, AARP Connecticut’s community programs connect thousands of seniors to public assistance programs, including energy assistance, health care, prescription drugs, and food assistance benefits.  AARP’s Driver Safety program helps over 11,000 drivers in per year avoid accidents, improve driving skills, and reduce their car insurance costs.

AARP Contact Information

Connecticut:  Director; BKelley@aarp.org; (860) 548-3161

Washington, DC: Denise DeMichele, Legislative Representative; DDemichele@aarp.org, (202) 434-3374

References

Strengthening Social Security: Social Security Administration, 2007. OASDI Beneficiaries by State and County.

Protecting Medicare: The Kaiser Family Foundation, 2008. State Health Facts. http://www.statehealthfacts.org/

Improving Health Care: Doughnut hole: AARP (PPI) Fact Sheet, 2009. “Closing the ‘Doughnut Hole’ Will Help Protect Over One-Third of Medicare Beneficiaries from High Drug Costs”

Improving Health Care: Uninsured 50-64: Census Bureau. Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2007 through 2009

Improving Health Care: Home and Community-Based Services: AARP PPI, 2009. Across the States: Profiles of Long-term Care and Independent Living.

Supporting Caregivers: AARP PPI, 2008. Valuing the Invaluable: The Economic Value of Caregiving, 2008 Update.

Promoting Retirement Savings: Based on data from the US Census, State and Patterns & Current Populations Survey statistics on Pension Coverage. 2004.